Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

[DJ 1D]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

Now, VA needs to do one other thing to win my dream airline makeover bonus points. I need them to introduce on demand upgrades to empty business seats - either by cash, points, (or you can comp me).

I think i can convince my various employers to shell for a flexi fare but probably not for a premium/ business one. I think the Virgin America system of cheap, fixed price upgrades at T-6hours is a good one - assuming that complimentary upgrades for gold/ plats are not going to happen any time soon.

I agree an on demand upgrade system makes sense, but let's not give up entirely on complimentary upgrades for golds just yet!

 

[777]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

The taster upgrades have been around for a while - but they're pretty clunky. A smoother version of the process would be good there.

 

[LiamR]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

The taster upgrades have been around for a while - but they're pretty clunky. A smoother version of the process would be good there.

Yeah, they've always had that taste tester thing, but I don't know of anyone who has used it, since you had to be on the previously highest ticket available.

Maybe a button on the check-in kiosk saying upgrade with points/$ ?

Speaking with ground crew in SYD not to long ago, I heard that might not be to far away.

 

[MH_fan]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

The taster upgrades have been around for a while - but they're pretty clunky. A smoother version of the process would be good there.

I didn't know abot the taster upgrades! I'll have to try it out.

 

[777]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

Yeah, they've always had that taste tester thing, but I don't know of anyone who has used it, since you had to be on the previously highest ticket available.

Maybe a button on the check-in kiosk saying upgrade with points/$ ?

Speaking with ground crew in SYD not to long ago, I heard that might not be to far away.

Yes, that would be nice.

I've used the taste tester on a couple of occasions but not for a long time. Again, the difference with the P/E offering didn't quite justify it. But we are definitely starting to see that change and with Business it seems well worth doing.

As an aside the mix of fares that do an don't include food and other offerings implies that DJ have finally got around to improving their processes and/or their IT systems. I can't imagine that they would have been able to do this before without a great deal of confusion - although there may still be that.

 

[Jurahn]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

I don't think they are reintroducing the PE "taster" fares - the only thing I can find on the website that refers to these is in the PE T & Cs and it states that the tasters were only applicable up to February 2010?

 

[777]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

I don't think they are reintroducing the PE "taster" fares - the only thing I can find on the website that refers to these is in the PE T & Cs and it states that the tasters were only applicable up to February 2010?

I'm not sure they went away. If you look on the Velocity site (under airline offers) they are still being promoted there til August 2011 - although there's no link on how to take the offer up!

 

[yohy?!]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

Suggest a thread title update is in order along the lines of: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

 

[DJ 1D]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

I've used the taster on many occasions. Interestingly, the total price previously for a taster is about what it will now cost to fly full-fare PE SYD-OOL.

Generally I found in the past that during a busy period or if I buy a last-minute ticket (which is often the case) the cheapest available was the flexi. So I bought that and then a taster just before the flight. Better seats plus free food + booze was well worth the extra $35.

That will all change now, but it appears that the taster is still available until August 31, 2011. See here: Specials | Velocity Rewards

 

[DJ 1D]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

And now the announcement: Fares that fit | Virgin Australia

We’ve introduced new fares that deliver increased simplicity, easier choices, and better value to air travellers in Australia and New Zealand.

Commencing May 22 2011, Guests of Virgin Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue will have the option of purchasing three different fares; Saver, Flexi or Premium (Premium Economy/ Business).

These new fare types will make it easier for Guests to choose a fare that fits their needs, whether they are looking for a Saver fare, a more flexible option with inclusive meals and entertainment, or a Premium Business class experience.

Virgin Australia will offer Economy class Guests the option of incorporating dining and entertainment into their fares with the introduction of the Flexi Fare.

Great value no matter what fare you buy



Saver fares for people looking for the best prices and the freedom to choose whether they want to purchase checked baggage allowance, in-flight entertainment, or food and beverages during their flight.

• More information on Saver Fares

Flexi fares with meals included, more flexibility, Priority Check-in, and in-flight entertainment.

• More information on Flexi Fares

Premium fares for people wanting a full Premium service; unlimited food and beverage, Priority Check-in, access to the Virgin Australia lounge, and extremely generous checked baggage allowance.

 

[777]

re: Virgin Australia Website & Fare Structure Revamp

Fares-to-Fit?

They weren't kidding when they said that VA and NZ would be aligning their product to make it more like NZ's Seats-to-Suit.

 

[Nigelinoz]

Did I read right ? 69kg's of checked baggage on premium fares? OMG I am not showing this thread to my gf,otherwise she would go on a shopping trip with my credit card I know she will.:shock::shock::shock:
Cheers
N'oz

 

[LiamR]

Did I read right ? 69kg's of checked baggage on premium fares? OMG I am not showing this thread to my gf,otherwise she would go on a shopping trip with my credit card I know she will.:shock::shock::shock:
Cheers
N'oz

PE fares have had 69kgs of baggage for a while. I'm not sure who needs that on a domestic trip, maybe it would be cost effective if you are moving or something like that?

Most PE customers are taking carry-on most of the time, so its a bet virgin assumed it would rarley be used.

 

[Nigelinoz]

I'm not sure who needs that on a domestic trip,

Obviously you haven't seen my other half at a stocktake sale :!:
It's awful to behold,especially if there are shoes on sale,she has been known to buy 9 pairs at once,along with handbags and clothes etc.

Cheers
N'oz

 

[Misha]

I have often needed that much - shopping or bringing home nice gifts from Mum

When I flew back from my last OS holiday I used the whole 90kgs allowance I had available to me

 

[LiamR]

So she is one of those people that takes half thier belongings onboard the aircraft, taking up all the space in the overhead locker.

But look at it on the positive side... All those FF Points!

 

[jsd]

Saver Fare | Virgin Australia

Option to upgrade to a seat in our Premium Economy or Business Class cabin using your Velocity Reward Points

There it is

 

[777]

Saver Fare | Virgin Australia

There it is

Very weird that the option is listed under the Saver Fare but not the Flexi Fare. I assume this is some sort of typo or bug?

 

[Misha]

Saver Fare | Virgin Australia




There it is

Ta-dah!!!!

I am liking this - though many of us will be seriously depleting our FF points total now

 

[samh004]

Somehow I reckon I wont have enough on my next flight with them to upgrade, but shall consider it when they release a number.